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What the papers say

Last Updated: February 27 2013, 12:38 GMT

A look at is making the headlines on the back pages of Wednesday's press.

Bale: Possible talks with Real Madrid

Daily Express: Battle lines were drawn last night between Real Madrid and Tottenham in the tug-of-war for Gareth Bale. Also: Rafa Benitez has told his Chelsea players to take some responsibility for their poor run in the Premier League rather than blaming him.

Daily Telegraph: Tottenham have been warned that Real Madrid have the desire and financial firepower to take Gareth Bale to the Bernabeu tomorrow. Also: Surrey have issued their players and coaches with a set of guidelines in an attempt to stamp out

the use of recreational drugs after cricket was left reeling by the revelations at Tom Maynard's inquest.

The Guardian: Rafael Benitez has claimed his Chelsea players are united and fully behind their interim first-team manager. Also: County cricketers will be tested more regularly in response to the confirmation that Tom Maynard had been taking cocaine and ecstasy the night before he died last June.

Daily Mirror: Rafa Benitez insisted last night that his Chelsea players are "100 per cent" behind him. Also: Michael Laudrup is ready to snub Europe's top clubs to stay with Swansea.

Daily Mail: Cricket bosses should take hair samples to test for drugs after Tom Maynard died while high on a cocktail of cocaine and alcohol, a coroner said last night. Also: Rafa Benitez insists he has the Chelsea players behind him.

The Independent: Manchester City are exploring the establishment of partner clubs on three continents of part of the commercial revolution needed to smash into world football's elite. Also: The Surrey cricketer Tom Maynard had been a habitual user of cocaine for several months, and was four times over the legal limit for drink-driving when his body was found on a railway track in south-east London, according to evidence put before an inquest into his death.

The Sun: Rafa Benitez says Chelsea's stars are 100 per cent behind him - despite an angry bust-up with John Terry. Also: Jermain Defoe could make a shock return in Sunday's north London derby with Arsenal.

The Times: Manchester United's determination to keep Wayne Rooney is likely to be tested this summer, with Paris St Germain giving serious consideration to making an audacious move for the England striker. Also: The ECB will upgrade its testing policies for recreational drugs to bring it in line with other team sports after the inquest into Tom Maynard's death yesterday.